Earth-supporting apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

The apparatus comprises an open, circular frame, which is resiliently expansible and contractible, arranged for towing in accompaniment with a tunneler (or the like). Hydraulic cylinders coupled across telescopic transverse struts of the frame are operative to expand or contract the frame. The method, capable of practice by the apparatus, comprises the expansion of an open frame into engagement with the soft or friable earth of an earth bore overhead and the installation and fixing of an earthsupporting member therewithin. Thereafter, the frame is moved out, and the member is fastened to the bore overhead.

United States Patent [191 111 3,823,566 July 16, 1974 Handewith EARTH-SUPPORTING APPARATUS AND METHOD [75 Inventor: Howard .1. Handewith, Seattle,

Wash.

[73] Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company, Woodcliff Lake, NJ.

[22] Filed: Dec. 18, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 316,043

[52] US. Cl. 61/85, 61/42 [51] Int. Cl E01g 3/00 [58] Field of Search 61/84, 85, 45 R, 42, 63

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,275,910 8/1918 Hamilton 61/85 3,411,826 11/1968 Wallers et al.. 61/85 X 3,558,193 1/1971 Howarth 61/85 X 3,613,384 10/1971 Jacobs 61/85 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 37,758 7/1964 Switzerland 61/85 5/ LONGITUDINAL AXIS 72 Primary Examiner-Dennis L. Taylor Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Bernard J. Murphy ABSTRACT The apparatus comprises an open, circular frame, which is resiliently expansible and contractible, arranged for towing in accompaniment with a tunneler (or the like). Hydraulic cylinders coupled across telescopic transverse struts of the frame are operative to expand or contract the frame. The method, capable of practice by the apparatus, comprises the expansion of an open frame into engagement with the soft or friable earth of an earth bore overhead and the installation and fixing of an earth-supporting member therewithin. Thereafter, the frame is moved out, and the member is fastened to the bore overhead.

6 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures EARTH- SUPPORTING MEMBER PAIENIED JUL 1 61914 SHEEIBBFZ 1 EARTH-SUPPORTING APPARATUS AND METHOD This invention pertains to earth-supporting apparatus and methods, for use and practice with tunneling, mining, and similar machines, that soft or friable earth might be supported above the machines. In particular, the invention pertains to earth-supporting apparatus and methods comprising a resiliently deformable frame; and the use of same.

Prior art earth-supporting apparatus and methods comprise rigid whole frames or rigid partial frames which are carried along with tunneling or mining machines, at the forward end of the machines, to support the earth thereabove. The rigid whole frames, which are known, have a fairly lengthy shell portion, at the leading end thereof, which renders the frame unwieldy and obstructional when, as occurs, the machine and frame must negotiate turns, inclines, and the like. These rigid whole frame types are secured to the machines and,-upon re-orienting therewith, must have the shell portion thereof swing into the earth bore wall, and must cause the customary trailing beams to scrape and abrade the wall, as they seek to flex and conform to the re-oriented direction.

The rigid, whole frame types of earth-supporting apparatus of course have a fixed diameter. Thus, they are unable to withdraw from the earth bore wall, so as to be unobstructive, when their use is not required. So also, they cannot deform and reach into the bore wall, for earth-compressing service, where and when the wall proceeds to decay and fall away.

The rigid, partial frame types of earth-supporting apparatus have some more facility than the whole frame types, at least in that they are disengageably carried by the machines and, defining substantially semi-circular combs having a rigid, leading, arcuate ring, with trailing, spaced-apart beams fixed thereto they are movable into and out of engagement with the upper crown of the earth bore. Even so, these partial frames have a similar difficulty negotiating turns, inclines, etc. Lowering ofthe leading ring from the crown does not render the redirection of this type of frame any more wieldy. It results, only, in causing the sides thereof to jam into the side walls of the bore. Too, the trailing beams must dig into walls to one side of the bore as the transporting tunneler or mining machine turns, or they score and abrade the crown of the bore if the machine proceeds to bore a declivity, causing a loosening of the very friable earth which they are designed to secure. It is true that the trailing beams are supposed to flex. Yet, they are not so flexible that they will not normally support the earth. Thus, in necessarily having so limited a flexibility, they can flex only at the destructive expense of an otherwise secured bore wall or crown.

These prior apparatus difficulties are virtually unavoidable, as the apparatus is so intimately, engagedly carried with the machines, and own a predetermined and fixed dimeter or arcuate radius. The use thereof, and the practice of earth-supporting methods thereby, unfortunately militate against the very earth-support which they have as an object.

It is an object of this invention, therefore, to set forth improved earth-supporting apparatus and methods which avoid the difficulties found in the prior art.

A particular object of this invention is to teach an earth-supporting apparatus comprising a circular frame, said frame having a longitudinal axis, and wherein said frame is resiliently expansible and contractible radially of said axis.

It is another object of this invention to define an earth-supporting method comprising the steps of placing an open, earth-supporting frame in proximity to the overhead portion of an earth bore, deforming said frame to cause an outer surface of said frame to be forceably engaged with said overhead portion, installing an earth-supporting member about an inner surface of said frame, fixing said member in installed position, removing said frame from said member, and fastening said member to said overhead portion.

A feature of this invention comprises an earthsupporting apparatus defined as an open, circular frame arranged for towed movement with a tunneling or mining machine or the like. The frame is resiliently expansible and contractible, and includes means for effecting expansion and contraction thereof. The method features the disposition of an open frame within an earth bore and deforming the frame into a forced engagement with the bore surface. Thereafter, an earthsupporting member is installed within the frame and fixed in place, the frame is withdrawn, and then the member is fastened to the bore.

Further objects and features of the invention will become more apparent by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the acccompanying figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric representation of a prior art, rigid whole frame, earth-supporting apparatus;

FIG. 2 is a partial illustration of the prior art frame, earth-supporting apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an isometric illustration of an embodiment of the novel earth-supporting apparatus, according to the invention; and

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of the embodiment of FIG. 3 illustrative of the telescoping transverse struts and hydraulic cylinders operative thereof.

As shown in FIG. I, the prior art, rigid whole frame, earth-supporting apparatus 10 comprises an annulus 12 having a mounting pad 14 by means of which the apparatus 10 is fixed to a machine (tunneler, or the like). Where an earth bore 16 being fromed commences a turn or declivity 18, the annulus l2, consequently, must negotiate the re-orienting are 20. However, annulus 12 has a substantial sxial length 22. Thus, as a leading edge 24 proceeds into the are 20, a portion of the trailing edge 26 removes from one side (or bottom) of the bore 16 and an opposite portion must attempt to crush into the complementary side (or top) of the bore. Accordingly, unless annulus 12 is markedly smaller in diameter than the bore 16, it becomes a troublesome obstruction and impediment to boring progress. Yet, if it has a markedly smaller diameter, its ability to intimately engage and retain the friable earth of the bore surface is limited.

Such an apparatus 10 has earth-retainer beams 28 extending thereform and, as shown, in FIG. 2, these beams are supposed to flex upon negotiating reorientation. As depicted, they will bend, to accommodate the re-orienting angle Z. but at the expense of the integrity of the bore wall if they have a very limited flexibility. If these beams 28 are too flexible, they can but poorly serve their primary object of earth support.

An embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 3, comprises an open, circular frame 30 which has a longitudinal axis relative to which the-frame is expansible and contractible. The frame 30 has a pair of runner beams or skids 32 to which a plurality of arch beams 34 are secured. Axially-disposed struts 36 are secured to the arch beams 34, and arcuate rib beams 38 extend, co-axially with the arch beams, between the struts 36 and are fixed to the latter. Further, a plurality of axially-extending, elongated slats 40, equally spaced one from another, are fixed atop the arch and rib beams 34 and 38. Terminal portions 42 of the slats 40 extend, unsupported, form the rear portion of the frame 30. Additionally, opposite terminal portions 44 of the slats 40 extend, unsupported, to the front of the frame, and these portions 44 are bent inwardly slightly.

A pair of transverse, telescopic strut assemblies 46 are replaceably secured, across the bottom of the frame 30, to the skids 32. Mounting plates 48, carried at either ends of the strut assemblies 46, engage and are bolted to the skids 32. I

As shown more clearly in FIG. 4, the strut assemblies 46 are telescopic; hydraulic cylinders 50 are secured to weldments 52 fixed to a first strut assembly member 54. Extending piston rods 56, translatable by cylinders 50, are fixedly engaged with weldments 58 secured to second strut assembly members 60.

A plurality of weldments 62 extend from the front of the frame 30. Each weldment 62 has a hole 64 formed therein for receiving one end 66 of a turnbuckle assembly 68. The other end 70 of the turnbuckle assembly receives a chain 72 which (by known means) is attachable to a tunneling or mining macine, or the like. Thus, frame 30 will envelop-the forward end of a machine which will tow the frame 30 therealong with itself. Chain 72 is shown, however other attaching means, such as cable, or thelike, could be used.

The advantage of chain, cable, or like filamentary material for the towing attachment of frame 30, is the facility it gives to frame 30 to rotate, or slue, or pitch slightly, relative to the machine which tows it, if the environment so dictates. So also, depending upon the filamentary material length, the machine can back up in the bore for approximately twice that length without disturbing the positioning of frame 30.

in greater detail, FIG. 3 illustrates that members 54 have a pair of limbs 74 which are slidably received in guides 76 formed on opposite sides of member 60. Accordingly, actuation of cylinders 50, together or independently, causes limbs 74 to move within the guides 76 to close or open up a space subsisting between the ends of members 54 and 60. As a result, the radius of arch beams 34 becomes altered; the radius either increases or decreases, to effect an expansion or contraction of the frame 30 relative to the axis thereof.

This inventive frame 30, then, is expansible, to effect an intimate engagement of the slats 40 with the upper sides and crown of an earth bore, and is contractible, to render it unobstructive and unobtrusive when its use is not required Further, in being contractible, it can be made to negotiate turns, inclines, and declivities with great facility. Optionally, either or both cylinders 50 can be operated, so that both front and rear portions, or either portion alone, can be expanded or contracted.

The frame 30 is of relatively simple and inexpensive construction notwithstanding the improvements it offers the art. Thus, where operations so warrant, the principal structure thereof can be left remaining in the bore, indefinitely, as earth support. By the simple expediment of unbolting mounting plates 48, the strut assemblies 46 can be removed for use on other frames 30. Another different frame 30 can be brought forward, through the left-standing frame, as this follow-on frame 30 only needs to be contracted to pass through and under the rib beams 34 of the frame which is succeeds.

This expansible and contractible frame 30 lends itself admirably to earth supporting operations. Referring again to FIG. 3, it is to be noted that an earthsupporting member is shown in position beneath slat terminal portions 42. ln operation, the novel frame 30 is expanded forceably against the bore surface, to hold the earth firmly. Then, the earth-supporting member is placed in position beneath terminal portions 42, and fixed in position (by any known means). Thereafter, frame 30 is withdrawn from the positionally-fixed earthsup'porting member, and the latter is finally, permanently fastened to the bore crown or overhead. 1 The novel frame 30 requires only that the arch and rib beams 34 and 38 be of optimum flexibility. The slats 40, however may be far more rigid, hence more earthsupportive, than any such elements used heretofore in the prior art. As noted earlier, in the prior art such axially-extending earth support elements required sufficient rigidity to support earth, but enough flexibility to yield before the bore wall or crown. Of course, these criteria are mutually conflicting. The slats 40 of the instant invention, however, can be radially withdrawn from the bore wall or crown. Thus, as rigid is they may be chosen to be manufactured, the terminal portions 42 can always be closed inwardly to prevent an abrading and scoring of the bore surface.

While I have described my invention in connection with a specific embodiment thereof, it is to be clearly understood that this is done only by way of example, and not as a limitation to the scope of my invention as set forth in the objects thereof and in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. Earth-supporting apparatus, comprising:

an arcuate frame;

said frame having a longitudinal axis; and wherein said frame is resiliently expansible and contractible radially of said axis;

said frame further having a pair of parallel, axially- I extending and spaced-apart skids for supporting said frame for movement thereupon, and axially spaced-apart beams of given, arcuate configuration;

said beams being fixed, at terminal ends thereof, to

said skids;

said skids defining therebetween an open, unobstructed portion of said frame, to accommodate a free access along said portion;

means coupled to said skids, traverse of said portion,

for expanding and contracting said frame;

said means being replaceably fastened to said skids, for selective removal therefrom, to provide said free access along said open portion of said frame; and

means coupled to said frame for attachment to a tunneling machine, mining machine, or the like, to cause such machine to effect coincident travel of said frame therewith;

said frame-coupled attachment means comprising means facilitating rotary, slueing, and pitching movement of said frame relative to such machine; and wherein said frame-coupled attachment means is coupled to said frame by simple, quick-disconnect means for enabling facile disengagement of said attachment means from said frame.

2. Apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein:

said frame includes a plurality of elongated, axially disposed slats;

said slats are spaced-apart, circumferentially, relative to said axis;

said frame further including means supporting said slats at a pluralityof locations throughout the length thereof; and

said slats each have terminal portions which extend, 

1. Earth-supporting apparatus, comprising: an arcuate frame; said frame having a longitudinal axis; and wherein said frame is resiliently expansible and contractible radially of said axis; said frame further having a pair of parallel, axially-extending and spaced-apart skids for supporting said frame for movement thereupon, and axially spaced-apart beams of given, arcuate configuration; said beams being fixed, at terminal ends thereof, to said skids; said skids defining therebetween an open, unobstructed portion of said frame, to accommodate a free access along said portion; means coupled to said skids, traverse of said portion, for expanding and contracting said frame; said means being replaceably fastened to said skids, for selective removal therefrom, to provide said free access along said open portion of said frame; and means coupled to said frame for attachment to a tunneling machine, mining machine, or the like, to cause such machine to effect coincident travel of said frame therewith; said frame-coupled attachment means comprising means facilitating rotary, slueing, and pitching movement of said frame relative to such machine; and wherein said frame-coupled attachment means is coupled to said frame by simple, quick-disconnect means for enabling facile disengagement of said attachment means from said frame.
 2. Apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein: said frame includes a plurality of elongated, axially disposed slats; said slats are spaced-apart, circumferentially, relative to said axis; said frame further including means supporting said slats at a plurality of locations throughout the length thereof; and said slats each have terminal portions which extend, unsupported, from said rearward portion of said frame.
 3. Apparatus, according to claim 2, wherein: said slats and said slats-supporting means cooperatively define an earth-supporting matrix.
 4. Apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein: said frame-coupled attachment means comprises supple, filamentary means.
 5. Apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein: said frame-coupled attachment means comprises tow chain.
 6. Apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein: said quick-disconnect means comprises A hookended turnbuckle assembly. eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee 